The British government is considering a new immigration policy that would see rejected asylum seekers relocated to “return hubs” in Western Balkan states, The Times reported on March 21. The proposal is part of a broader effort to address the ongoing crisis of illegal immigration, particularly the influx of migrants crossing the English Channel in small boats. With public frustration mounting over the government’s handling of immigration, the Labour government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears to be seeking alternatives to previous Conservative policies, including the now-abandoned Rwanda deportation scheme.

The proposed scheme involves paying countries such as Albania, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia to accept migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected by the UK. These hubs would serve as transit points for deportees, particularly those from nations with which Britain lacks repatriation agreements.

Under the plan, migrants from “unsafe” countries-such as Afghanistan, Iran, and Somalia-could be housed in these third-party hubs indefinitely. Meanwhile, those from “safe” nations, including Vietnam, Pakistan, and India, would be temporarily detained in these hubs while arrangements for their deportation to their home countries are finalized.

The proposal follows growing pressure on the Labour government to deliver results in controlling immigration. Recent polls indicate that immigration is the second most pressing issue for British citizens after the economy, with 72% of respondents believing the government is........

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